On September 4, 2013, Jerry Gay, African American male, 20 years of age, was charged with Murder for the shooting death of Tawnya Kinslow. Kinslow was found deceased in her home on Baytree Road on August 12, 2013 at approximately 3:30 p.m.

On August 24, 2013, the Valdosta Police Department responded to a call in reference to a dispute involving a gun. Officers arrived on scene and Gay fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, the officers caught Gay and found a handgun in his possession.

Gay was arrested and charged with Pointing a Gun at Another, Obstruction of Officers, and Carrying a Concealed Weapon without a Permit. Gay’s name had been mentioned during the homicide investigation and a request was submitted to the Valdosta Lowndes Regional Crime Laboratory for ballistic testing to be conducted comparing the evidence from the homicide to the gun found in Gay’s possession.

The results of the testing indicated that the gun had been used in the homicide. Detectives interviewed Gay, who was still in jail on the other charges, and have charged Gay with Murder. The case is still being reviewed and other charges may be filed.

Anyone having any further information regarding this crime or any other crime is urged to contact the Valdosta Police Department at 229-293-3145 or can remain anonymous at 229-293-3091.

By Eames YatesAugust 13, 2013

Valdosta, GA - The search is on tonight for two people who may be able to help catch the killer of a Valdosta woman.

42-year old Tawnya Kinslow was found shot to death at a Valdosta home yesterday afternoon. The VSU campus is about a mile that way but cops are saying she was not connected to the school.

James Stokley, victim's neighbor: "it could be your family, you know. It could have been my mom or my wife you know. If I came home from work, or was working or something and came home and found my family like that I wouldn't know what to do. I have heard shots in the area but wasn't for sure if they were shots or firecrackers."

It's unclear exactly when Tawnya Kinslow was shot to death. Her body was discovered by the Valdosta Police around 3:30 on Monday at her home on 803 Baytree Road. Cops say she most likely knew her killer or killers. They're searching for two persons of interest.

Lt. Aaron Kirk, Valdosta Police Department: "The persons of interest are just people we want to talk to. They are not being accused of anything. But because they're associated with the victim the detectives want to talk to them to see if they do have information that may lead to the offender."

Reporter: "So there are no warrants out for them? You're not charging them with murder?"

Lt. Kirk: "No, at this time, you know, we don't have any warrants out for anyone."

Cops are asking for the public's help. If anyone has information about who killed Tawyna Kinslow call the Valdosta Police Department.

Rebecca Pentecost, Victim's neighbor: "She had a son, I know for sure. So I don't know what they're feeling. She had friends, she had a job. I mean she had a life and now she's gone."

The Valdosta Police Department confirmed Kinslow does indeed have a son who lives in Valdosta.

Press Release: Valdosta Police Department

On August 12, 2013 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Valdosta Police Department responded to a report of a deceased person at 803 Baytree Road.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that Tawnya Kinslow, white female, 42 years of age had suffered a gunshot wound. Valdosta Police Department Detectives and Valdosta Lowndes County Regional Laboratory Criminalists responded to investigate.

The incident does not appear to be a random act and it is believed that Kinslow knew the offender(s). There are two persons of interest that are being sought at this time and the detectives are following up on all leads.

Due to calls of concern we would like to express that the incident does not appear to be related to any student or faculty member at VSU.

Anyone having any further information regarding this crime or any other crime is urged to contact the Valdosta Police Department at 229-293-3145 or can remain anonymous at 229-293-3091.

Press Release: Valdosta Police Department

On August 12, 2013 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Valdosta Police Department Officers responded to a deceased person at 803 Baytree Road, Valdosta, Georgia. Upon arrival, officers located a white female, 41 years of age, resident of that address who was deceased. It appears that the female suffered a gunshot wound.

Valdosta Police Department Detectives and Valdosta Lowndes County Regional Laboratory Criminalists are on scene and are working on the case.

There are persons of interest that are being sought at this time and the detectives are following up on all leads.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of the next of kin.

Anyone having any information regarding this case, please immediately contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigations at 229-293-3145 or the crime tip line at 229-293-3091.

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